Thursday, January 03, 2008

Returning

written by tara

As we begin the next chapter in the portion of our lives called "Haiti" I am finding myself trapped in a screwy place of ambivalence. Sending Troy off; my heart felt heavy.

The excitement, wonder and anticipation I felt in 2005 is more like a constant state of vacillating thoughts and confusion this time. My stream of consciousness can occasionally look like this: What about Lydia, she is so little. I hate Malaria. Do I really want her in Haiti? Sometimes I hate it there. What about Isaac, he loves it in America. Can I really teach those little kids? Ugh. I'm scared. What if Britt needs me, how can I really be there for her from such a distance? What about the house? Will it sell? Are we making the right choice to leave it unresolved? Can we do this? Should we? What, When, Why, How?

In the very next frame of thought(s) I am thinking these things: I love how alive I feel in Haiti. It is so cool it is to see my husband in his element and feeling fulfilled. It is never boring. The people are so inspiring and resilient, I'm lucky to know them. I'm changed. Haiti is in my heart. It's awesome to be in a position to rely fully on God, and to work with others who know how to do it so much better than us. It's easier to keep God and family my priority. I love it there. We've sat in the front row and seen miracles happen. We've watched God work on a grander scale. We've been able to discern better where God wants to change our attitudes, make us new, help us refine our rough edges. We're learning new things. We're learning to love Him and love people. It feels good.

With these opposing thoughts waging a battle in my muddled mind I end up certain of only one thing: My heart's desire is this ... I want for my family and myself exactly what God wants for us. Even if it is not always easy, even if it makes no sense, and even if it is not all revealed to me soon enough for my comfort. Now I just need to train my head to fall in line with my heart.

Hebrews 11:8-10 reads:

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

I'm not Abraham, Isaac or Jacob ... but I want to be faithful. By faith I want to make my home wherever God leads. As I wrap up everything that can possibly be "wrapped up" before heading back, and as I fight my own tendency to doubt God and His plans for me, I have been overwhelmed with the way God has brought people into our lives to partner with us in this ministry. Without you we cannot accomplish the things He puts before us. Without you we would not have gone in the first place. You've helped us through some storms. We're so grateful.

One of the greatest ways you can support us is through prayer. We've never underestimate its value and in this current place of ambivalence, greater stress, new baby ... Well, we're sure it will be crucial.

Please pray for wisdom to know how to best help when situations present themselves. Pray that we don't become hard to the needs because they are too many. Pray that we grow individually and as a family. Pray for discernment. Pray for patience. Pray that we're forgiving. Pray that we're obedient.

Pray that we're sensitive. Pray that something we attempt to do or say might lead to lasting change and growth in the life of someone we're serving. Pray for a hedge of protection around our children. Pray for our health. And pray that God’s love for these people will be recognized and received through the physical touch we are able to provide.

Come, and let us return to the Lord;For He has torn, but He will heal us;He has stricken, but He will bind us up.After two days He will revive us;On the third day He will raise us up,

That we may live in His sight.Let us know,Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.His going forth is established as the morning;He will come to us like the rain,Like the latter and former rain to the earth.Hos 6:1-3

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Who we are...

To Reach Us: Livesayfamily@gmail.com - We live, learn, love, & work in Port au Prince, Haiti. In the 13 years we've been here, one thing we've learned: God is not made manifest in our ability to "fix" or heal, but in our need to be healed. Recognizing this weakness leaves us in a position of having little to offer. It reveals our own need to be restored. We are not fixers of people or things. We are here trying to extend love and grace to others, the way it has been extended to us.

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships - so that we may live deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people - so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war - so that we may reach out our hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world - so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. Amen. (Franciscan Benediction)

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